76ers News: Concerning Joel Embiid update issued ahead of exciting clash

While Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid hasn't performed to his billing at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Team USA is inching closer to a widely expected gold medal finish. As the undisputed favorites following a dominant showing in all of their games so far, the squad only needs a couple more wins to secure the pole position.

Embiid has been met with a lot of tender love and care from the French faithful thanks to his decision to pass up on playing for the nation to suit up for USA. However, it seems like his status for the upcoming days could be in peril.

76ers star Joel Embiid could miss upcoming game due to an ankle injury

Embiid didn't practice with the team ahead of their crucial semifinal matchup against Serbia. According to head coach Steve Kerr, the coaching staff held him out as a precaution while dealing with an ankle injury.

Despite Embiid not having a breakout game yet, fans around the globe are anticipating the center matchup between him and Nikola Jokic, who's carried Serbia all tournament long. The 76ers star was the Most Valuable Player in 2022-23 while the Nuggets' bigshot nabbed his third MVP trophy this past season.

The last matchup featuring the two came last January, where the 76ers bested the Nuggets at home behind Embiid's monstrous 41-point, seven-rebound, and 10-assists outing. Jokic tallied 25 markers, 19 boards, and three dimes in a close, losing effort.

Team USA has been humming since the tournament started, and it's difficult to envision them slowing down anytime soon given their overwhelming talent advantage, even over a global powerhouse Serbia. Outside of Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, they don't have a lot of consistent firepower on the roster.

Hopefully, Embiid can suit up just in time for an exciting bout against the Joker and turn in a much-awaited breakout game to help vault the Americans into the Finals.